This past week it was reported that a U.S. military drone strike against rebels in Yemen also killed two hostages that had been taken by the rebel group. One was an American citizen, Warren Weinstein, a 73 year old aid worker.
Drones are a technology that enables America to monitor vast swaths of hostile territory at minimal risk to American military personnel. The pilots are based either in the U.S., or aboard ships, or at remote bases far from the location of the strike. Drones can strike quickly and effectively whenever the order is given. However, the success depends on the information- which is often hard to verify. As a result, while drone strikes have greatly hurt the leadership and organization of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia- there have been many occasions where innocents have also been killed. This is termed "collateral damage", but tragically involves the loss of human life in ways that regrettable. Drone strikes are seen as "disproportionate" by many- which means that they are seen as unjust and unfair. Those without the technology to defend against the drones find other ways to strike back, such as through suicide bombings and roadside bombs that also kill innocents. A new weapon, they are not specifically provided for in the current rules of war- the Geneva Conventions and additional protocols. The rules again need to catch up to the technology.
Here is a recent article that explores the Drone issue.
What do you think about the U.S. use of drones in its War on Terror overseas? What do you think of the potential use of drones in the U.S. for surveillance by Law Enforcement authorities. Is it time for limits? What limits would your propose?
Opposing viewpoints are all over the web. Google this and see what you find. You are encouraged to copy-paste the link to reliable online resources that you find to your post.
Many of you explored the new weaponry developed during the Civil War- another time when technology advanced faster than people were able to adapt- with deadly results.
Drone Strikes- Time for Limits?
This past week it was reported that a U.S. military drone strike against rebels in Yemen also killed two hostages that had been taken by the rebel group. One was an American citizen, Warren Weinstein, a 73 year old aid worker.
Drones are a technology that enables America to monitor vast swaths of hostile territory at minimal risk to American military personnel. The pilots are based either in the U.S., or aboard ships, or at remote bases far from the location of the strike. Drones can strike quickly and effectively whenever the order is given. However, the success depends on the information- which is often hard to verify. As a result, while drone strikes have greatly hurt the leadership and organization of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia- there have been many occasions where innocents have also been killed. This is termed "collateral damage", but tragically involves the loss of human life in ways that regrettable. Drone strikes are seen as "disproportionate" by many- which means that they are seen as unjust and unfair. Those without the technology to defend against the drones find other ways to strike back, such as through suicide bombings and roadside bombs that also kill innocents. A new weapon, they are not specifically provided for in the current rules of war- the Geneva Conventions and additional protocols. The rules again need to catch up to the technology.
Here is a recent article that explores the Drone issue.
New York Times Article.
What do you think about the U.S. use of drones in its War on Terror overseas? What do you think of the potential use of drones in the U.S. for surveillance by Law Enforcement authorities. Is it time for limits? What limits would your propose?
Opposing viewpoints are all over the web. Google this and see what you find. You are encouraged to copy-paste the link to reliable online resources that you find to your post.
Many of you explored the new weaponry developed during the Civil War- another time when technology advanced faster than people were able to adapt- with deadly results.